Factors Affecting Farmer’s Participation in Participatory Forest Management; The Case of Didesa District Forest Resources Buno Bedele Zone Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

This study explores the various factors that influence farmers' participation in Participatory Forest Management (PFM) within the Didesa District of the Buno Bedele Zone in southwestern Ethiopia. The research specifically aims to analyze socio-economic factors affecting community involvement in PFM, investigate households' willingness to engage in participatory forest management, and assess farmers' attitudes toward PFM as a means of supporting their livelihoods. To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach was utilized, quantitative research techniques. This included surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Data were collected from 166 households across selected kebeles that are actively engaged in PFM activities. The findings revealed that an impressive 88.6% of respondents were members of PFM groups, indicating substantial community involvement in these initiatives. The analysis yielded a mean of 1.46, reflecting positive perceptions among participants regarding improvements in their livelihood conditions as a result of PFM engagement. However, the study also identified several barriers that hinder effective participation in these programs. A significant gender imbalance was observed, with 77.7% of respondents being male, which may limit the inclusivity of PFM efforts. Additionally, low literacy rates emerged as a critical concern, with 38% of participants reporting that they were unable to read or write. The consultation process surrounding PFM bylaws was found to be inadequate, as only 84.3% of respondents indicated that they had been consulted about these regulations. Despite these challenges, the study identified a significant correlation between participation in PFM and increased access to non-timber forest products, with a mean of 2.11 recorded following the establishment of PFM initiatives. Furthermore, 31.3% of respondents expressed concerns about disparities in benefit-sharing, underscoring the need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing equity and inclusivity in forest management practices. Overall, this study highlights the critical importance of addressing the identified barriers to improve the effectiveness of PFM in supporting local livelihoods and ensuring sustainable forest management.